Former Gaming Control Board chair running as a nonpartisan adds a twist to the Clark County Commission District F race

What happened

Nevada Current reported Friday that a nonpartisan candidate with prominent union backing is complicating the contest for Clark County Commission District F. Harris, a former state senator and former chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, is running against Democrat Yan and Republican Kasama. The seat is now held by outgoing Commissioner Justin Jones.

Nevada Current noted that independent and third-party candidates often run in county commission races. Few of them, however, bring Harris's political experience or high-profile endorsements. The outcome could shift the partisan balance on the seven-member commission.

Who is running in District F

Harris, nonpartisan

Harris won a seat in the Nevada State Senate in 2014 and served two legislative sessions. She resigned in January 2018 to lead the Gaming Control Board. According to Nevada Current, her tenure there included the sexual misconduct allegations that led to the downfall of casino mogul Steve Wynn, the legalization of marijuana and the expansion of sports wagering.

Her endorsements include the Culinary union, the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Hispanics in Politics, Ironworkers Local 433 and former state legislators from both parties. Asked about running without a party, Harris told KTNV she has "always been an independent thinker." She added that "being a nonpartisan really is what I am and represents me the best."

Yan, Democrat

Yan works in commercial real estate, specializing in urban redevelopment and community revitalization. Her website says she has worked on public transit issues through public committees. She also sits on the board of The Mob Museum, and last year she gave a TEDx Talk in Las Vegas about redeveloping Chinatowns across the country.

Yan beat six other candidates in the Democratic primary. They included Minddie Lloyd, a Republican-turned-Democrat backed by Jones, and community advocate Lenna Hovanessian, who had U.S. Rep. Dina Titus's endorsement. Yan is endorsed by SEIU Local 1107, Teamsters Nevada, Make The Road Action Nevada and the Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter.

Kasama, Republican

Kasama has represented Nevada State Assembly District 2 since 2020. In 2024, with Gov. Joe Lombardo's endorsement, she explored a run for Nevada's 3rd Congressional District but chose to seek re-election to the Assembly instead. Nevada Current reported that her legislative work focused on ethics reform and that she sponsored a bill ending a predatory title scheme.

She defeated private equity firm CEO Albert Mack in a competitive primary. Her backers include Lombardo, the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, the Board of REALTORS PAC and at least two chambers of commerce.

How the money compares

Campaign finance reports are filed quarterly, so the latest available totals run only through the end of June. Kasama reported nearly $444,000 on hand as of July 1. Her top second-quarter contributors included South Point Hotel and Casino, Western Elite and the Lombardo-affiliated Nevada Way PAC.

Harris reported $139,000 on hand as of July 1. Her top contributors this year include Penta Building Group, M Resort operator Penn Entertainment and esports betting company Oddin.gg.

Yan pledged not to accept money from corporations or their PACs. She took in $87,000 in donations and in-kind contributions in the first half of the year but spent most of it, leaving just under $4,000 on hand as of July 1. Her top contributors were Commissioner Tick Segerblom's campaign and the campaign of Maryland state legislator Chao Wu.

Why the seat matters for the commission

The seven-member commission currently has one Republican, April Becker, who was elected in 2024. The other members are Democrats. Nevada Current reported that a win by either Kasama or Harris would change that makeup.

Two other commission races

District E and District G are also on the ballot this cycle. Nevada Current said both incumbents are expected to keep their seats easily. In District E, Democrat Tick Segerblom faces Republican Manny Hess. Segerblom won his previous two commission races by 15.7 and 25.2 percentage points.

In District G, Democrat Jim Gibson faces Republican Jonathan Maxham. Gibson won his last two elections by 9.2 and 13.8 percentage points. Our Clark County voting guide has key dates, and more local election coverage is also available.

What to watch next

• The next quarterly campaign finance reports. Current totals for Harris, Yan and Kasama run only through the end of June.
• Whether Kasama or Harris wins District F. Nevada Current reported that either result would change the commission's partisan makeup.
• The District E race between Segerblom and Hess, and the District G race between Gibson and Maxham.